Mann Makes Stop At The Buzzer, Hornets Steal Win In Atlanta

Going into Wednesday night’s road trip opener in Atlanta, it had been almost 12 years since a Charlotte Hornets’ player had snatched seven-or-more steals in a single game. Tre Mann blew right past his previous career high to reach this lucky number, with the final last-second swipe clinching a dramatic 115-114 comeback win over the hometown Hawks.

Trailing by 18 points with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Charlotte matched its largest come-from-behind road win of the season – January 22 in Minnesota – which was one point off its biggest overall. The squad also won the season series with Atlanta, 3-1, for the second straight campaign, dealing a blow to the latter’s Play-In hosting chances.

Though the Hornets got off to a significantly better start than they did in Tuesday’s home finale, the defense still had issues containing Atlanta’s early drives and kick-out 3-point attempts. The Hawks shot 11-of-24 (45.8%) from downtown in the opening half, good for a 61-55 lead at the break. After starting the third with a 12-3 run, Atlanta took the frame by nine to go up by 15.

Charlotte still had plenty left in the tank though, especially facing an Atlanta team that was coming off a double overtime loss the night before. Using runs of 17-5 and 12-2, the Hornets clawed back in front, 111-108 by the 2:07 mark of the fourth. Following a 6-0 spurt from Trent Forrest and two Brandon Miller free throws, Grant Williams perfectly contested Bruno Fernando’s layup attempt, leading to a go-ahead transition runner from Miles Bridges. With less than four seconds left, Forrest received the inbounds, then proceeded to see his would-be mid-range game-winner get stuffed by Mann’s extended right arm just before the final horn went off.  

“Tonight was [Tre Mann’s] best game on defense,” said Hornets Head Coach Steve Clifford afterwards. “Brandon was great under pressure. We just kept going, possession by possession. We’ve actually been pretty good at that over the year. They did a good job, kept their poise, came back, and made a bunch of plays late.”

Added Miller, “Just being locked in on the defensive side, I think that’s why we won tonight. I think that last [offensive] play of the game, Miles got the fast break, and I knew he was going to score. Going through games with a team like this, I feel like the bonds get stronger every day.”

Miller finished with a game-high 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting and five 3-pointers, becoming the third rookie in NBA history with at least seven games of 25 points and five 3-pointers (Steph Curry – 9; Allen Iverson – 8). Bridges (18), Williams (16), Mann (16), and Aleksej Pokuševski (10) also scored in double figures. Mann, who additionally tallied seven assists, tied Anthony Davis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Herb Jones for the NBA’s single-game season high for steals.

Atlanta suffered a fourth consecutive loss with the defeat, though did have Trae Young available – 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting and 11 assists in 21 minutes – for the first time since Feb. 23. Bogdan Bogdanović and Vít Krejčí each scored 19 points – Krejčí’s being a career high – while Clint Capela added 15 points and six rebounds. Like Charlotte, the Hawks were missing several key players, including Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Saddiq Bey.

The Hornets will now head north to square off against the Boston Celtics on Friday, April 12 beginning at 7:30 PM ET. Follow all the action on Bally Sports Southeast and WFNZ 92.7 FM.